Casino print system and corresponding methods

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing customized coupons in a casino gaming environment are provided. A printer resident in a gaming machine is provided and has at least one communication port for communication external to the gaming machine. A coupon layout generator may also be provided for creating customized coupons. A server manager may be provided for distributing the customized coupons to one or more targeted recipients. A server port device may be provided for connecting the server manager to the communication port of the printer and for converting an Ethernet signal from the server manager to a serial signal recognizable by the printer. With such a system, an IP address may be assigned to the server port device. The IP address, together with player identification information, is used by the server manager to determine appropriate coupons for distribution to the gaming machine.

This application claims the benefit of commonly owned U.S. provisional application No. 61/404,525 filed on Oct. 4, 2010, U.S. provisional application No. 61/456,223 filed on Nov. 2, 2010, and U.S. provisional application No. 61/458,842 filed on Dec. 1, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of networked printing systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to printing systems and methods for use in a casino gaming environment which provide improved functionality, including the ability to quickly and easily create and print custom coupons and vouchers at a gaming machine printer.

In a casino gaming environment, it is known to provide data to gaming machines (e.g., slot machines and other types of gaming machines) from a central system server over a network. The Assignee of the present invention, TransAct Technologies Incorporated (TransAct), has developed a dual port printer for a gaming machine capable of receiving print instructions from a local controller resident in the gaming machine via a first port, and receiving print instructions from a remotely located central system server via a second port. For example, proprietary data, such as voucher (cash) information can be received over the first port from the local machine controller and printed, while non-proprietary data (coupon data) can be received over the second port from the central system server and printed. Such a dual port printer is described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,924,903 and its related family of patents and pending applications, which are incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference.

In such systems, the data provided to the gaming machine printer by the central system server or by the gaming machine itself is in a predetermined print layout or format loaded onto the server or resident in the gaming machine. Thus, casinos are unable to easily modify the print layout or format or to provide custom coupons targeted to particular players. Typically, software updates are required to change the print layout or format, which are time consuming and costly.

It would thus be advantageous to provide casinos with the ability to layout and customize coupons and vouchers in a quick and easy manner. It would also be advantageous to enable the casino to quickly send such custom coupons and vouchers (or templates for custom coupons and vouchers) to the gaming machines. It would be advantageous if individual gaming machines, or select groups of gaming machines, could be targeted with different custom coupons or vouchers. It would also be advantageous to enable a Casino Host to quickly identify a particular player and provide that player with a custom coupon or voucher via the gaming machine printer.

The apparatus and methods of the present invention provide the foregoing and other advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a print system for a casino gaming environment in which gaming machines are fitted with a dual-port printer. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing customized coupons in a casino gaming environment.

In accordance with one example embodiment of a system for providing customized coupons in a casino gaming environment in accordance with the present invention, the system may comprise a printer resident in a gaming machine and having at least one communication port for communication external to the gaming machine. A coupon layout generator may also be provided for creating customized coupons. A server manager may be provided for distributing the customized coupons to one or more targeted recipients. A server port device may be provided for connecting the server manager to the communication port of the printer and for converting an Ethernet signal from the server manager to a serial signal recognizable by the printer. With such a system, an IP address may be assigned to the server port device. The IP address, together with player identification information, is used by the server manager to determine appropriate coupons for distribution to the gaming machine.

The server port device may be connected to the server manager via one of a wired or a wireless connection.

The server port device may be provided with memory for buffering data from the server manager prior to sending the data to the printer.

The system may include multiple gaming machines. The server manager may manage the distribution of coupons to one of: selected ones of the gaming machines; a group of gaming machines from the multiple gaming machines; or all of the gaming machines. The IP address, together with the player identification information, is used by the server manager to determine appropriate coupons for distribution to the gaming machines.

The server manager may further manage the distribution of at least one of software upgrades, printer templates, promotional materials, advertisements, coupons, cash vouchers, rewards, informational materials, forms, and the like to the gaming machines.

The coupon layout generator may be connected to the server manager and enables the creation of custom coupons, templates, cash vouchers, promotional materials, advertisements, rewards, informational materials, forms, and the like for distribution to the gaming machine. The coupon layout generator may generate templates for delivery to and storage at a local controller of the gaming machine. Variable data for completion of the template may be sent to the printer by one of the server manager or the local controller for populating the template to be printed.

Each gaming machine may comprise a card reader for reading a player identification card. Information from the player identification card may be provided from the card reader to a player tracking database. The player identification information may be obtained from the player tracking database and provided to the server manager, for use in, for example, determining appropriate coupons for distribution to a particular gaming machine.

Coupons may be provided to a particular gaming machine based on at least one of the player identification information, playing time on the gaming machine, amount spent on game play, amount won or lost on gaming machine, average amount spent per casino trip, gaming machine denomination, data tracked by a player tracking database, and the like. The player identification information may include at least one of demographic information, individual player characteristics, player habits, gaming tendencies, player preferences, time since last visit, expected next visit, player ranking, player tier, and the like.

The server manager may direct coupons to individual players, groups of players, or all players depending on predetermined promotional rules. The server manager may also manage the distribution of real-time advertising and promotional materials, and related information, to the gaming machine for printing at the printer. The advertising, promotional materials, and related information may comprise at least one of: bounce-back promotions offering incentives for a player to return to the casino; promotions providing incentives or rewards for playing on a certain day, dates, or times; contest and tournament entry forms; tickets to shows and events in exchange for gaming machine cash out or cash added to the gaming machine; food and drink coupons for casino establishments; birthday and anniversary promotions and discounts; contest and tournament results, required tax forms; hotel discounts, and the like.

In one example embodiment, the coupon layout generator may support the inclusion of barcodes and graphics on the coupons. The barcodes may be obtained from a service provider comprised of one of a hotel, restaurant, entertainment venue, retail establishment, or the like located within or associated with the casino. The barcodes may be readable by a barcode reader of the respective service provider upon redemption at the service provider. The redemption of coupons including the barcodes may be tracked by a central system server of the casino.

The server port device may further enable downloading or upgrading of printer firmware, coupon templates, monitoring of printer events and status, custom configuration of the printer, and the like. The server port device may also further enable communications from the gaming machine to the server manager or to a central system server of the casino.

In a further example embodiment, a software application running on a portable computing device may be used by a casino host for directing coupons to a particular gaming machine or player. For example, the casino host may identify the particular gaming machine or player and select one or more coupons for delivery to the printer at the particular gaming machine via a user interface on the personal computing device. Variable data can be entered into a coupon template by the host via the user interface. The variable data comprises at least one of player name, machine identification information, coupon value, expiration date, promotional information, and the like.

The personal computing device may be wirelessly connected to at least one of the server manager and the server port device. For example, when the personal computing device is wirelessly connected to the server manager, the coupon may be routed to the gaming machine from the personal computing device via the server manager. In particular, the server manager may match one of a player name or machine identification information provided via the personal computing device to the gaming machine or the player identification information in order to obtain the IP address of the particular gaming machine.

When the personal computing device is wirelessly connected to the server port device, the personal computing device can route coupons directly to the server port device of the particular gaming machine.

The personal computing device may be adapted to function as a secondary server manager. For example, the software application running on the personal computing device may comprise a version of server manager software.

The personal computing device may be in communication with at least one of the server manager and a coupon layout generator.

Alternatively, coupon layout generator software may be provided on the personal computing device, enabling the creation of at least one of custom coupons, custom coupon templates, vouchers, promotional materials, advertising materials, and the like.

The personal computing device may comprise one of a tablet computing device, a laptop computer, a netbook, a smart phone, a handheld computing device, or any other portable computing device.

Coupons may be one of: stored at the personal computing device; accessed by the personal computing device from the server manager, a coupon generator, or a networked storage device; or generated at the personal computing device from templates stored at the personal computing device.

At least one of a player name, machine identification number of the gaming machine, or the IP address of the server port device may be entered by the host into the personal computing device for purposes of directing the coupon to the particular gaming machine.

One of the gaming machine or the server port device may be provided with a barcode containing corresponding identification information for the gaming machine or the IP address of the server port device. The personal computing device may be provided with a barcode reader. The coupon may be routed to the printer of the gaming machine or server port identified by the barcode.

In a further example embodiment, a player identification card may be provided with a barcode or magstripe. The personal computing device may be provided with a barcode reader or a magstripe reader. The coupon may be routed from the personal computing device to a player or a gaming machine played by the player based on the barcode information provided by the barcode or magstripe on the player identification card.

In another example embodiment, the gaming machine or the server port device may be provided with an RFID tag. The personal computing device may be provided with a RFID tag reader. The coupon may be routed to the printer based on gaming machine identification information or the IP address of the server port device received by the RFID reader from the RFID tag.

The system may further comprise a rules generator associated with the server manager for creating and modifying rules governing when coupons are to be sent to the gaming machine.

In addition, the system may further comprise a simulator associated with the server manager for simulating coupon distribution based on actual play on a gaming machine over a predetermined time period without actually generating and printing the coupons. A data set for the actual play over the predetermined time period may be recorded. Multiple simulations for a promotion may be run on the data set, each promotion having different parameters for coupon issuance.

The system may also comprise a scheduling tool associated with the server manager for scheduling promotions and coupon distribution. The server manager may automatically distribute coupons corresponding to a scheduled promotion to the printer in accordance with scheduling information obtained from the scheduling tool.

The system may also comprise a software application for a personal computing device of a gaming machine player. The software application may enable the player to at least one of: select types of coupons to be received from the casino; input or update personal identification information to the casino; input or update demographic information; select from a group of offered coupons or promotions and enable the selection to print automatically from the gaming machine that the player plays next; complete tournament and contest entry forms; review tournament and contest results; receive advertising, promotional materials, or rewards from the casino or a retail establishment associated with the casino, or the like.

In an example embodiment of a method for providing customized coupons in a casino gaming environment, the method may comprise: providing a printer in a gaming machine with at least one communication port for communication external to the gaming machine; providing a coupon layout generator for creating customized coupons; providing a server manager for distributing the customized coupons to one or more targeted recipients; connecting the server manager to the communication port of the printer via a server port device; converting an Ethernet signal from the server manager to a serial signal recognizable by the printer via the server port device; assigning an IP address to the server port device; identifying the gaming machine based on the IP address; and determining, by the server manager, appropriate coupons for distribution to the gaming machine based on the IP address and player identification information for printing at the printer.

The method may also include additional features discussed above in connection with the various embodiments of the corresponding system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an example embodiment of a gaming machine with integral printer in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of a customizable coupon in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment of a personal computing device for use by a casino host in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 5 shows a further example embodiment of a gaming machine with integral printer in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ensuing detailed description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an embodiment of the invention. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

The present invention relates to a print system for a casino gaming environment in which gaming machines are fitted with a dual-port printer. In a typical casino gaming environment, a dual-port printer is connected to the gaming machine controller (local controller) on a first port and a central system server/controller on a second port. The gaming machine controller provides the printer with information for printing cash vouchers. The central system controller, which may be networked together with all gaming machines in the casino (or all gaming machines within a particular area in a casino), provides the printer with coupon data.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a system 10 for providing customized coupons in a casino gaming environment. A printer 14 (e.g., a dual port printer) is resident in a gaming machine 12. A block diagram of an example embodiment of a gaming machine 12 with integral printer 14 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. The printer 14 may have at least one communication port for communications external to the gaming machine 12. For example, the printer may have a first communication port 16 for communication to an external server (as explained in detail below) and a second communication port 18 dedicated to communications with a local controller 24 resident in the gaming machine 12. A coupon layout generator 26 may be provided for creating customized coupons. The server manager 20 is provided for distributing the customized coupons to one or more targeted recipients (e.g., particular gaming machine printers 14 and players thereat). The server manager 20 may be connected to the first communications port 16 of the printer typically designated for a central system server 22. However, since the server manager 20 generates an Ethernet signal, a server port device 30 is provided in-between the server manager 20 and the first communication port 16 of the printer 14. The server port device 30 converts the Ethernet signal from the server manager 20 to a serial signal recognizable by the printer 14. An IP address is assigned to the server port device 30 and the IP address, together with player identification information (obtained as explained in detail below), is used by the server manager 20 to determine appropriate coupons for distribution to the gaming machine 12.

A server port device 30 may be connected in-between the server manager 20 and each gaming machine printer 14. The server port device 30 may be resident in each of the gaming machines 12. The connection between the server port device 30 and the server manager 20 may be a wireless Ethernet connection or a wired connection. In a wireless embodiment, in order to improve the wireless reception, an access point 32 may be provided on top of each gaming machine 12 for receiving the wireless signal from the server manager 20, with a wired connection between the access point 32 and the server port device 30 resident within the gaming machine 12. Alternatively, the server manager 20 and the server port devices 30 on each gaming machine 12 may be hardwired together. In either case, the server port device 30 will receive an Ethernet signal from the server manager 20 and convert this signal to a high-speed serial signal for communication to the printer 14. For example, the server port device 30 may provide data to the printer 14 in one of an RS-232, Netplex, USB, USB/Netplex, RS-232/Netplex or 12C format.

The server port device 30 may also be provided with memory 34 to facilitate such a data conversion and to buffer data prior to sending it to the printer 14. Accordingly, the server port device 30 enables large amounts of data, including print graphics (including color graphics), to be sent from the server manager 20 to the printer 14.

The server port device 30 is assigned an IP address. This IP address may be assigned by (or otherwise known to) the server manager 20. In this way, the server manager 20 can send data to specific gaming machines 12 based on the IP address of the server port device 30 associated with that gaming machine 12 for purposes of, for example, targeted advertising and promotions.

In embodiments in which the printer 14 already includes an Ethernet port (e.g., port 16 may be an Ethernet port or a further port which is an Ethernet port may be provided), the server port device 30 is not needed and the server manager 20 can communicate directly with the printer 14 over a wired or wireless connection.

The server manager 20 may be a separate server which is also connected to the casino's central system server 22. Alternatively, the server manager 20 may be integrated into the casino's central system server 22 or comprise software running on the central system server 22. The server manager 20 is capable of managing all the printers 14 on the network (or those printers 14 on the network assigned to that server manager 20, as it is conceivable that more than one server manager 20 may be used in a large network). For example, via the server manager 20 it can be designated which printers 14 will be provided with a particular coupon or coupons (or other data, such as software upgrades, printer templates, promotional materials, advertisements, cash vouchers, rewards, informational materials, forms, and the like, as discussed in further detail below). If the content of the coupon is directed at all players in the casino, the server manager 20 will direct all printers 14 in the network to print the coupon at the appropriate time (e.g., when a player begins play, ends play, or reaches a certain level/time of play). If the content of the coupon is directed to a group of players or a single player, the server manager 20 will distribute the coupon(s) for printing accordingly.

The server manager 20 may be connected to the coupon layout generator 26. The coupon layout generator 26 may comprise a software program resident in a computer connected to the server manager 20 directly or via the central system server 22. Alternatively, the coupon layout generator 26 may comprise a dedicated device. In either case, the coupon layout generator 26 may be connected (wired or wirelessly) to the server manager 20. The coupon layout generator 26 provides the ability to quickly create custom coupons, promotional materials, advertisements, rewards, informational materials, forms, and the like (all collectively referred to herein as “coupons”).

FIG. 3 shows a sample coupon 40 that can be produced by the coupon generator 26. The coupons may be color coupons. In particular, the coupons may be “two-color” or “full-color” coupons, which colors correspond to the printing capabilities of the gaming machine printers 14. The coupon layout generator 26 may also be used to create templates for coupons and/or cash vouchers which can be communicated to the local controllers 24 of the gaming machines 12 (e.g., via the server manager 20) and retained in memory (e.g., printer memory 28 or memory of the local controller 24) for use in printing cash vouchers or coupons under control of the local controller 24 of the gaming machine 12. Variable data 42 can then be sent to the printer 14, along with a print command. The variable data 42 and print command may be provided by either the server manager 20 or the local controller 24 of the gaming machine 12. Pre-defined fields of the stored templates can be populated with the received variable data 42 prior to printing of the coupon 40 (or voucher, etc.). Similarly, graphics can be communicated to the printer memory 28 and stored therein for use in populating the appropriate graphic field(s) 44 of a template upon receipt of the appropriate command.

Gaming machines 12 typically have a card reader 29 adapted to read a player's identification card. As is known in the art, such a card tracks each player's gaming habits (including but not limited to personal information, preferences, dates and times of play, amount spent, winnings, and the like). As each gaming machine 12 is in communication with the server manager 20 and/or a player tracking database 50 (directly or via the central system server 22), the server manager 20 is able to indentify the players at each gaming machine (as long as the player's card is inserted in the card reader) via information from the player identification card provided to the system 10 by the card reader 29. If no card is inserted, the server manager 20 will be aware that an un-carded player is playing a particular gaming machine 12, and appropriate coupons, rewards, and advertising materials can be targeted to such un-carded players with incentives to obtain their identification cards.

Coupons may be provided to a particular gaming machine 12 based on at least one of the player identification information, playing time on the gaming machine 12, amount spent on game play, amount won or lost on gaming machine 12, average amount spent per casino trip, gaming machine denomination, data tracked by a player tracking database 50, and the like. The player identification information may include at least one of demographic information, individual player characteristics, player habits, gaming tendencies, player preferences, time since last visit, expected next visit, player ranking, player tier, and the like.

The server manager 20 may direct coupons to individual players, groups of players, or all players depending on predetermined promotional rules (e.g., generated by a rules generator 54 as discussed in detail below). The server manager 20 may also manage the distribution of real-time advertising and promotional materials, and related information, to the gaming machine 12 for printing at the printer 14, as discussed in detail below.

In addition, coupons may be directed to a particular player by a Casino Host via an application 62 running on a portable personal computing device (host device) 60, such as that shown in FIG. 4. Various coupons (e.g., developed and provided by the coupon layout generator 26) can be stored in memory 68 on the personal computing device 60 or accessed by the portable personal computing device 60 from another networked location (e.g., the server manager 20, coupon generator 26, or a networked storage device 56). The Host may walk the Casino floor with the personal computing device 60 and identify one or more players at particular gaming machines 12 that the host desires to send a coupon or voucher to. The Host can then choose a stored coupon to send to the gaming machine(s) 12 being played by the identified player(s). After selecting the coupon, the Host can enter any variable data into the coupon if required (e.g., name of player, machine identification information, coupon value, expiration date, or other coupon information) via a user interface 64 on the personal computing device 60 and send the coupon to the gaming machine 12. The personal computing device 60 may be wirelessly connected to at least one of the server manager 20 and the server port device 30. Where the personal computing device 60 is wirelessly connected to the server manager 20, the coupon may be routed through the server manager 20, which can match the player name or machine identification number to the gaming machine 12 or to the corresponding player identification information obtained from the player information card. In this way the server manager 20 can identify the IP address of the server port device 30 of the appropriate gaming machine 12 and forward the coupon or voucher from the personal computing device 60 to the corresponding gaming machine printer 14. Alternatively, where the personal computing device 60 is wirelessly connected to the server port device 30, the coupon may be routed directly to the server port device 30 of the particular gaming machine 12 and printed at printer 14.

The player name, machine identification number, or IP address of the server port device 60 associated with the gaming machine 12 (or other information used to identify a particular gaming machine 12 or its server port device 30) may be manually entered into the personal computing device 60. Alternatively, the gaming machines 12 and/or the server port devices 30 may be provided with barcodes 36 (as shown in FIG. 2) containing the individual identification information for the particular gaming machine 12 or its associated server port device 30. In such an embodiment, the personal computing device 60 may be provided with a bar code reader 66 (either in the form of a software application, a built-in barcode reader, or plug-in hardware device). The barcode reader 66 of the personal computing device 60 can identify the gaming machine 12/server port device 30 by reading the barcode 36 of the gaming machine 12 or its associated server port device 30.

Alternatively, the personal computing device 60 may be used to read a barcode on the player identification card to obtain the player identification information, which can then be used to send a coupon to the gaming machine 12 being played by the player. In addition, the personal computing device 60 may be adapted to read the magstripe on the player identification card to obtain the player identification information.

As shown in FIG. 5, the gaming machine (or the associated server port device 30) may alternatively be provided with an RFID tag 37. The personal computing device 60 may be enabled to read the RFID tag (e.g., via a software application, a built-in RFID tag reader 66, or a plug-in RFID tag reader). The personal computing device 60 can thus obtain the identification information for a particular gaming machine 12, or the IP address of the gaming machine's server port device 30, via the RFID tag.

Alternatively, the personal computing device 60 can route the coupon or voucher directly to the server port device 30 (e.g., via a wireless connection) for printing at the printer 14. For example, the personal computing device 60 may act as a secondary server manager and have a version of the server manager software 62 installed on it. In such an embodiment, the personal computing device 60 may also be in communication with the main server manager 20 to provide such transaction details for Casino record keeping (either at the time of each such transaction or in a batch transfer at designated intervals). Further, in such an embodiment the personal computing device 60 may also be connected to the coupon layout generator 26 so that updated coupons and vouchers can be provided. Alternatively, a version of the coupon layout generator software 62 may be installed on the personal computing device 60 so that custom coupons, vouchers, promotional materials, advertising materials, and the like can be created as needed by the Host on the personal computing device 60.

The portable personal computing device 60 may comprise an iPAD™ or equivalent tablet computing device, laptop computer, netbook, or the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the portable personal computing device 60 may also comprise smart phones such as a Blackberry™, iPhone™, Droid™, or the like, or an iTouch™, or similar devices, as long as the device has the required processing power to run the application, sufficient data storage, and wireless connectivity.

The coupons can be modified to target specific players or classes of players. The coupons can also be directed to all players. The present invention enables direct marketing to gaming machine players and provides players with incentives for increased visits and extended playing time. The system 10 is easy to install, as the server manager 20 is easily integrated into the casino's network and the server port device 30 simply plugs into the existing port 16 on the dual port printer 14 that is normally in communication with the central system server 22. The remaining printer port 18, connected to the local controller 24 resident in the gaming machine 12, is unaffected by the present system.

The system 10 will also advantageously allow players to skip the normal stop at the casino promotions booth to collect weekly coupons. Instead, the coupons can be targeted to each player once that player inserts his or her card into a gaming machine 12. This provides an advantage to the player and the casino, since the players can avoid waiting in line at the promotions booth and proceed directly to the gaming machines 12 and thereby gain additional playing time.

The system 10 also enables real-time advertising and promotions. For example, coupons with advertisements can be sent to the gaming machine printers 14 advertising current or upcoming specials, events, promotions or player attractions. In addition, such coupons can include “bounce-back” promotions, offering incentives (e.g., free play or discounts) if the player returns in a predetermined amount of time. The coupons may also enable the casino to drive specific player actions, by providing incentives for play between certain dates and/or times, or providing rewards for playing on a certain date. The system 10 can also be configured to automatically complete and print forms for contest entries and event entries for a particular player at the gaming machine 12. Tickets to shows and other events can also be purchased and printed at the gaming machine 12 (e.g., in exchange for money remaining on the machine or money added to the machine). This enables the casino to obtain revenue for otherwise unsold tickets and to capture players dollars that may otherwise be cashed out. Real-time retail and food and drink coupons can also be sent to and printed at each gaming machine 12. Gaming tournament entries and results can also be sent to and printed at the gaming machines 12. Also, targeted birthday and anniversary promotions and discounts may be sent to individual players. Contest and tournament results the player is involved in can also be sent to and printed at the gaming machine 12. Further, hotel promotions and discounts may be sent to and printed at the gaming machine 12. Tax forms (e.g., that may be required as a result of any gambling proceeds) may be provided as well. Other types of coupons and forms may also be provided to and printed at the gaming machines 12 in accordance with the present invention, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The coupon layout generator 26 enables the design and creation of custom coupons 40 (or templates for coupons/vouchers). Any number of different coupons can be created. Graphics 44 and logos can be imported into the coupons 40 and the corresponding data can be converted by the system into a format recognizable by the printer 14. Barcodes 46 can be supported by the coupon layout generator 26. In particular, barcodes 46 can either be imported into a coupon 40 from an outside source 70 associated with the casino (e.g., a service provider such as a hotel, restaurant, retail establishment, or the like) or created at the coupon layout generator 26 for insertion into a coupon. The barcodes 46 may be read by the service provider's barcode reader when redeemed by the player as is typically the case when coupons are redeemed by a customer. This barcode information can then be provided back to the central system server 22 and used to track the use of the coupons. Multiple coupons can be created and saved for later use. It should be appreciated that the application program interface for the coupon layout manager can be presented in any language. Similarly, the coupons can be created in any language or converted from one language to another (e.g., for example, to send to both English speaking players and players speaking a foreign language).

As discussed above, the server manager 20 sends coupons received from the coupon layout generator 26 to specific gaming machine printers 14 on the floor based on the IP address of the server port device 30 associated with that printer 14 (or an IP address associated with the printer in the case of an Ethernet printer). The server manager 20 may be adapted to add dynamic text to the coupon, such as an expiration date, event date, or the like. The server manager 20 may include an application program interface which enables links to player tracking databases 50 and other sources or systems (outside sources 70) within or associated with the casino (e.g., point-of-sale systems at retail establishments, restaurants, and other vendors (for discounts, promotions, barcode information, etc.), theater computer systems (for determining available theater seating for events), hotel computer systems (for reservation information, room discounts, and the like) and others). The server manager 20 is also enabled to select individual or multiple gaming machines 12 and send coupons to such machine(s) 12 for printing.

The server port device 30 may be a plug-in device that connects to the printer 14 without any modification thereto. Thus, the server port device 30 is a simple upgrade to existing gaming machine printers 14 that enables the printing of custom coupons, as discussed in detail above. However, the server port device 30 provides additional beneficial functionality. For example, the server port device 30 also enables the downloading of printer firmware, the monitoring of printing events and printer status, and custom configuring of each gaming machine printer 14. Such functionality reduces gaming machine downtime and reduces maintenance costs.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the server port device 30 also enables communications from the gaming machine 12 back to the server manager 20, the central system server 22, and/or to the player tracking database 50. In this way, the server manager 20 can be provided with identifying data regarding the player and the gaming machine 12 being played, so that coupons can be targeted directly to the player based on the player's demographics, individual characteristics, habits, gaming tendencies, and the like.

As discussed above, an Ethernet connection is required for connecting the server manager 20 to the printer 14. Such a connection is enabled by the server port device 30, which has an Ethernet input and which converts the Ethernet signal into a high-speed serial signal that the printer 14 can accept. The Ethernet connection between the server manager 20 and the server port device 30 can be wired or wireless as discussed above. A wireless connection is more advantageous, as a wired connection will require high speed Ethernet cables and adequate data closet for each machine to be connected. The wireless connection does not interfere with the gaming machine 12 (other than the possible addition of a wireless access point 32 on top of the machine as discussed above).

The system may further comprise a rules generator 54 associated with the server manager 20 for creating and modifying rules governing when coupons are to be sent to the gaming machine 12. For example, a rule may be created that prints a coupon once a player reaches a predetermined period of cumulative play on one or more gaming machines 12 during a single casino visit. Parameters for the rule may be modified once the rule is created. For example, for an offer that was originally created to pay out after 60 minutes of play, the predetermined cumulative time period can be changed from 60 minutes to 90 minutes. Other rules can be imagined and are within the scope of the present invention.

In addition, the system may further comprise a simulator 58 associated with the server manager 20 for simulating coupon distribution based on actual play on a gaming machine 12 over a predetermined time period without actually generating and printing the coupons. A data set for the actual play over the predetermined time period may be recorded. Multiple simulations for a promotion may be run on the data set, each promotion having different parameters for coupon issuance. The simulator 58 may be run in the background during actual game play or recorded game play, without actually generating or printing any coupons, in order to test expected results of particular promotions. This allows a casino to see the amount of coupons that would have been printed for a given promotion with a given set of parameters.

The system may also comprise a scheduling tool 59 associated with the server manager 20 for scheduling promotions and coupon distribution. For example, the scheduling tool 59 may be used to schedule when certain promotions will be active or inactive, such as during certain times of the day, days of the week, times of year, seasons, and the like. The server manager 20 may automatically distribute coupons corresponding to a scheduled promotion to the printer 14 in accordance with scheduling information obtained from the scheduling tool 59.

The system may also comprise a software application for a personal computing device 80 of a gaming machine player (e.g., a smart phone, tablet computer, or the like). The software application may enable the player to at least one of: select types of coupons to be received from the casino; input or update personal identification information to the casino; input or update demographic information; select from a group of offered coupons or promotions and enable the selection to print automatically from the gaming machine that the player plays next; complete tournament and contest entry forms; review tournament and contest results; receive advertising, promotional materials, or rewards from the casino or a retail establishment associated with the casino, or the like. The selected coupons or other material can then be printed from a gaming machine printer the next time the player visits the casino and inserts his or her player identification card. This application may be provided as part of a Casino's current downloadable player application or made to look like an offering from a particular casino.

Methods corresponding to the system embodiments provided above are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Additional details regarding various aspects of the system of the present invention may be found in Promotional Printing System Requirements Document v2.5 attached to U.S. provisional application No. 61/404,525 filed on Oct. 4, 2010 at Appendix A, which document is respectfully incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference.

It should now be appreciated that the present invention provides advantageous methods and apparatus for providing, inter alia, customizable coupons to gaming machines.

Although the invention has been described in connection with various illustrated embodiments, numerous modifications and adaptations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. 

1. A system for providing customized coupons in a casino gaming environment, comprising: a printer resident in a gaming machine and having at least one communication port for communication external to the gaming machine; a coupon layout generator for creating customized coupons; a server manager for distributing the customized coupons to one or more targeted recipients; a server port device for connecting the server manager to the communication port of the printer and for converting an Ethernet signal from the server manager to a serial signal recognizable by the printer; wherein: an IP address is assigned to the server port device; and the IP address, together with player identification information, is used by the server manager to determine appropriate coupons for distribution to the gaming machine.
 2. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein a connection between the server port device and the server manager comprises one of a wired or a wireless connection.
 3. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the server port device is provided with memory for buffering data from the server manager prior to sending the data to the printer.
 4. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein: the system includes multiple gaming machines; the server manager manages the distribution of coupons to one of: selected ones of the gaming machines; a group of gaming machines from the multiple gaming machines; or all of the gaming machines; and the IP address, together with the player identification information, is used by the server manager to determine appropriate coupons for distribution the gaming machines.
 5. A system in accordance with claim 4, wherein the server manager further manages the distribution of at least one of software upgrades, printer templates, promotional materials, advertisements, coupons, cash vouchers, rewards, informational materials, and forms to the gaming machines.
 6. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the coupon layout generator is connected to the server manager and enables the creation of custom coupons, templates, cash vouchers, promotional materials, advertisements, rewards, informational materials, and forms for distribution to the gaming machine.
 7. A system in accordance with claim 6, wherein: the coupon layout generator generates templates for delivery to and storage at a local controller of the gaming machine; and variable data for completion of the template is sent to the printer by one of the server manager or the local controller for populating the template to be printed.
 8. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein: each gaming machine comprises a card reader for reading a player identification card; information from the player identification card is provided from the card reader to a player tracking database; and the player identification information is obtained from the player tracking database and provided to the server manager.
 9. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein: coupons are provided to the gaming machine based on at least one of the player identification information, playing time on the gaming machine, amount spent on game play, amount won or lost on gaming machine, average amount spent per casino trip, gaming machine denomination, and data tracked by a player tracking database.
 10. A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the player identification information includes at least one of demographic information, individual player characteristics, player habits, gaming tendencies, player preferences, time since last visit, expected next visit, player ranking, and player tier.
 11. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the server manager directs coupons to individual players, groups of players, or all players depending on predetermined promotional rules.
 12. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the server manager also manages the distribution of real-time advertising and promotional materials, and related information, to the gaming machine for printing at the printer.
 13. A system in accordance with claim 12, wherein: the advertising, promotional materials, and related information comprise at least one of: bounce-back promotions offering incentives for a player to return to the casino; promotions providing incentives or rewards for playing on a certain day, dates, or times; contest and tournament entry forms; tickets to shows and events in exchange for gaming machine cash out or cash added to the gaming machine; food and drink coupons for casino establishments; birthday and anniversary promotions and discounts; contest and tournament results, required tax forms; and hotel discounts.
 14. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein: the coupon layout generator supports the inclusion of barcodes and graphics on the coupons.
 15. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein: the barcodes are obtained from a service provider comprised of one of a hotel, restaurant, entertainment venue, or retail establishment located within or associated with the casino; and the barcodes are readable by a barcode reader of the respective service provider upon redemption at the service provider.
 16. A system in accordance with claim 15, wherein the redemption of coupons including the barcodes is tracked by a central system server of the casino.
 17. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the server port device further enables downloading or upgrading of printer firmware, coupon templates, monitoring of printer events and status, and custom configuration of the printer.
 18. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the server port device further enables communications from the gaming machine to the server manager or to a central system server of the casino.
 19. A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a software application running on a portable computing device used by a casino host for directing coupons to a particular gaming machine or player; wherein the casino host identifies the particular gaming machine or player and selects one or more coupons for delivery to the printer at the particular gaming machine via a user interface on the personal computing device.
 20. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein: variable data can be entered into a coupon template by the host via the user interface; and the variable data comprises at least one of player name, machine identification information, coupon value, expiration date, and promotional information.
 21. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein the personal computing device is wirelessly connected to at least one of the server manager and the server port device.
 22. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein: the personal computing device is wirelessly connected to the server manager; the coupon is routed to the gaming machine from the personal computing device via the server manager; the server manager matches one of a player name or machine identification information provided via the personal computing device to the gaming machine or the player identification information in order to obtain the IP address of the particular gaming machine.
 23. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein: the personal computing device is wirelessly connected to the server port device and routes coupons directly to the server port device of the particular gaming machine.
 24. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein: the personal computing device is adapted to function as a secondary server manager; the software application comprises a version of server manager software.
 25. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein the personal computing device is in communication with at least one of the server manager and a coupon layout generator.
 26. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein coupon layout generator software is provided on the personal computing device, enabling the creation of at least one of custom coupons, custom coupon templates, vouchers, promotional materials, and advertising materials.
 27. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein the personal computing device comprises one of a tablet computing device, a laptop computer, a netbook, a smart phone, and a handheld computing device.
 28. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein: coupons are one of: stored at the personal computing device; accessed by the personal computing device from the server manager, a coupon generator, or a networked storage device; or generated at the personal computing device from templates stored at the personal computing device.
 29. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein at least one of a player name, machine identification number of the gaming machine, or the IP address of the server port device is entered by the host into the personal computing device for purposes of directing the coupon to the particular gaming machine.
 30. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein: one of the gaming machine or the server port device is provided with a barcode containing corresponding identification information for the gaming machine or the IP address of the server port device; the personal computing device is provided with a barcode reader; the coupon is routed to the printer of the gaming machine or server port identified by the barcode.
 31. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein: a player identification card is provided with a barcode or magstripe; the personal computing device is provided with a barcode reader or a magstripe reader; and the coupon is routed from the personal computing device to a player or a gaming machine played by the player based on the barcode information provided by the barcode or magstripe on the player identification card.
 32. A system in accordance with claim 19, wherein: the gaming machine or the server port device is provided with an RFID tag; the personal computing device is provided with a RFID tag reader; and the coupon is routed to the printer based on gaming machine identification information or the IP address of the server port device received by the RFID reader from the RFID tag.
 33. A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a rules generator associated with the server manager for creating and modifying rules governing when coupons are to be sent to the gaming machine.
 34. A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a simulator associated with the server manager for simulating coupon distribution based on actual play on a gaming machine over a predetermined time period without actually generating and printing the coupons.
 35. A system in accordance with claim 34, wherein: a data set for the actual play over the predetermined time period is recorded; and multiple simulations for a promotion are run on the data set, each promotion having different parameters for coupon issuance.
 36. A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a scheduling tool associated with the server manager for scheduling promotions and coupon distribution.
 37. A system in accordance with claim 36, wherein: the server manager automatically distributes coupons corresponding to a scheduled promotion to the printer in accordance with scheduling information obtained from the scheduling tool.
 38. A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a software application for a personal computing device of a gaming machine player; wherein the software application enables the player to at least one of: select types of coupons to be received from the casino; input or update personal identification information to the casino; input or update demographic information; select from a group of offered coupons or promotions and enable the selection to print automatically from the gaming machine that the player plays next; complete tournament and contest entry forms; review tournament and contest results; and receive advertising, promotional materials, or rewards from the casino or a retail establishment associated with the casino.
 39. A method for providing customized coupons in a casino gaming environment, comprising: providing a printer in a gaming machine with at least one communication port for communication external to the gaming machine; providing a coupon layout generator for creating customized coupons; providing a server manager for distributing the customized coupons to one or more targeted recipients; connecting the server manager to the communication port of the printer via a server port device; converting an Ethernet signal from the server manager to a serial signal recognizable by the printer via the server port device; assigning an IP address to the server port device; identifying the gaming machine based on the IP address; and determining, by the server manager, appropriate coupons for distribution to the gaming machine based on the IP address and player identification information for printing at the printer. 